Driverless wireless module

ABSTRACT

A module having at least a processor, memory and a wireless communication capability communicates with a host computing device that does not include a network device driver and is not able to directly access the network. The module provides wireless network access to the host computing device that does not include a network device driver. The module interfaces internally with the host computing device and utilizes a data frame communication protocol, such as an Ethernet protocol, to pass network data to the host computing device that was received from the network and to receive network data from the host computing device for transmission to the network.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claimis identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the presentapplication are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

BACKGROUND

In computing, a device driver or driver is a computer program thatoperates or controls a particular type of hardware device that isattached to a computer. The driver provides a software interface to thehardware device, enabling operating systems and other computer programsof the computer to access functions of the hardware device withoutknowing the details of the hardware device being used by the computer.The driver, however, provides access into the computer, whichcompromises the security of the computer.

SUMMARY

A module interfaces with the host device to provide the host device awireless communications interface to the network where the host devicedoes not include a network interface device driver. The module can beconnected independently to the network and can pass data to the hostdevice as Ethernet data without interfacing or interfering with the hostsystem, CPU, memory, or other peripherals associated with the hostdevice.

Certain embodiments relate to a method to communicate network dataassociated with a network with a host device that does not include anetwork driver, where the host device is unable to communicate with thenetwork without the network driver. The method comprises receiving aradio frequency signal with a module, the radio frequency signalincluding network data for a host device that does not include a networkdriver, where the host device is unable to communicate with the networkwithout the network driver; processing, with the module, the radiofrequency signal to generate baseband data that includes the networkdata; removing from the baseband data overhead data that refers to acommunication protocol associated with the network; adding, with themodule, informational data to the baseband data to form host data, theinformational data associated with one or more of the RF signal and thenetwork; and sending, with the module, the host data over an interfaceto the host device using an Ethernet protocol, where the host dataincludes the network data.

According to a number of embodiments, the disclosure relates to a moduleto communicate network data associated with a network with a host devicethat does not include a network driver, where the host device is unableto communicate with the network without the network driver. The modulecomprises an antenna configured to receive and transmit a radiofrequency signals, where the radio frequency signals include networkdata for a host device that does not include a network driver, and wherethe host device unable to communicate with the network without thenetwork driver; signal processing circuitry configured to process areceived radio frequency signal to generate baseband data that includesthe network data; a processor and associated memory that storesinstructions to be executed by the processor to remove from the basebanddata overhead data that refers to a communication protocol associatedwith the network and to add informational data to the baseband data toform host data, where the informational data is associated with one ormore of the RF signal and the network; and an interface configured tosend the host data to the host device using an Ethernet protocol, wherethe host data includes the network data.

In an embodiment, a host communication protocol is added to the hostdata before sending the host data to the host device. In anotherembodiment, the host communication protocol is mobile broadbandinterface model (MBIM). In a further embodiment, the processor isconfigured to retrieve subscriber identity module (SIM) data from a SIMcard associated with the host device. In a yet further embodiment, theinformational data is further associated with the SIM data.

In an embodiment, the informational data includes one or more of anindication of a network communication protocol, an indication of anetwork carrier, and an indication of signal strength of the RF signal.In another embodiment, the interface includes a universal serial bus(USB) port. In a further embodiment, the module is tethered to the hostdevice via a cable in communication with the USB port. In a yet furtherembodiment, the interface includes a connector on the module configuredto mate with a corresponding connector on the host device. in anembodiment, the connector is an M.2 connector

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of this disclosure will be described, by way of non-limitingexample, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of module interfacing with a host device toprovide the host device network access, according to certainembodiments.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of module interfacing with a host device toprovide the host device network access, according to certainembodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a host computing device including a module to providethe host computing device wireless network access, according to certainembodiments.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a driverless wireless module and a hostdevice, according to certain embodiments.

FIGS. 5a and 5b are flowcharts illustrating communication processesbetween the network and a computing device via the driverless wirelessmodule, according to certain embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description of certain embodiments presentsvarious descriptions of specific embodiments. However, the innovationsdescribed herein can be embodied in a multitude of different ways, forexample, as defined and covered by the claims. In this description,reference is made to the drawings where like reference numerals canindicate identical or functionally similar elements. It will beunderstood that elements illustrated in the figures are not necessarilydrawn to scale. Moreover, it will be understood that certain embodimentscan include more elements than illustrated in a drawing and/or a subsetof the elements illustrated in a drawing. Further, some embodiments canincorporate any suitable combination of features from two or moredrawings.

Embodiments of the module provide connectivity to host devices such as,but not limited to personal computers, Chromebooks®, laptops, tablets,routers, wearable computers, personal digital assistants, electronicbook readers, set-top box, camera, vehicles, such as automobiles ortrucks, appliances, such as thermostats, refrigerators, or washingmachines, controller, digital media player, eyewear, home or car device,an Internet of things device, virtual or augmented reality computingdevice, automatic teller machines (ATM), power meters, gas meters,street meters, and any device that could be connected to a network butdoes not include a network interface device driver.

The network can be a local area network, a wide area network, a wirelesslocal area network, a personal area network, or the Internet. In anembodiment, the module provides Long Term Evolution (LTE) and wirelessbroadband connectivity to the host device. In an embodiment, the moduleprovides high-speed wireless Internet access to the host device. Themodule is easily adaptable to other wireless communication standards,such as 3G, 4G, 4G LTE, 5G, code division multiple access (CDMA), globalsystem for mobile communications (GSM), or future standards. In anembodiment, the network is associated with a network service providerwhich provides network access to the network. Examples of networkservice providers are telecommunications companies, data carriers,wireless communication providers, Internet service providers, and cabletelevision operators.

The module can connect independently to the network and can pass data tothe host device as Ethernet data. In an embodiment, the module stripsoverhead data from the data stream and passes only Ethernet data to thehost device. Because the module can connect independently to thenetwork, the module does not need support or management from the hostdevice. Advantageously, the module enhances security of the host device.Because the interface between the module and host device can be viaEthernet port connection, the host device is able to control the data itreceives from the module. The module has firewall and security protocolsprovided by the network service providers via the network connectivity.

The module comprises a processor or CPU and memory that are independentof the processor and memory associated with the host device. Because themodule has its own processor and memory, the host device does not manageor support the module. The host device's processor and memory sustainnormal performance and, advantageously, are not burdened with managementof the module.

In an embodiment, the module sustains two separate images for itsfirmware. The first image is the running firmware and the second imageis the previous image. Firmware can be downloaded via wirelessmanagement public data network (PDN) to the module. Once the firmware isdownloaded, the module can perform an update of its firmware. After newfirmware is fully updated, module executes the new image. This providesminimal interruption of normal operations. Firmware can be downloadedvia the module's management port allowing the module to operate andprovide data to the host device while downloading. Further, the modulecan continue to operate for power interruptions that occur duringfirmware upgrades because the first image will continue to operate untilthe new firmware is fully confirmed and updated.

Dongle-Based Radio

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a host device 100 including computingdevice circuitry 102 interfacing with an embodiment of a module. Thecomputing device circuitry 102 comprises chips 1-4, which represent thecircuitry used to provide functionality of the host device 100. Examplesof chips 1-4 are, but not limited to a microprocessor, memory, serialports, parallel ports, circuitry to support peripheral devices such as akeyboard, disk drive, mouse, and the like, circuitry to support graphicsand/or video functionality, and the like, and can comprise more or lessthan the chips 1-4 that are illustrated. In an embodiment, a motherboardof the host device 100 comprises the computing device circuitry 102.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the module comprises a module circuit board108, first and second antennas 104 a, 104 b, first and second radiofrequency (RF) input/output devices 106 a, 106 b, an ON/OFF switch 122,and a signal strength indicator 124.

In an embodiment, the module circuit board 108 comprises one or morepower amplifiers 110, wireless communication circuitry 112, a processor118, memory 120, an interface 116, and a subscriber identity module(SIM) interface 126.

The processor 118 is in communication with at least the memory 120 andthe wireless communication circuitry 112, and comprises, by way ofexample, one or more processors, program logic, or other substrateconfigurations representing data and instructions, which operate asdescribed herein. In other embodiments, the processors can comprisecontroller circuitry, processor circuitry, processors, general purposesingle-chip or multi-chip microprocessors, digital signal processors,embedded microprocessors, microcontrollers and the like.

The memory 120 comprises, by way of example, RAM, SRAM, DRAM, ROM, flashmemory, and the like and is configured to store instructions, that whenexecuted by the processor 118, cause the module to operate. The memory120 can further store network configurations that are related to networkservice providers.

Wireless communication circuitry 112 comprises one or more integratedcircuits configured to support wireless communications. In anembodiment, wireless communication circuitry 112 comprises one or moreintegrated circuits configured to support wireless broadbandcommunications. For example, the wireless communications circuitry 112comprises system-on-chip integrated circuit(s) that integrate radiofrequency, baseband modem, and digital signal processing functions. Inan embodiment, the wireless communication circuitry 112 supports LTEwireless communications functionality and comprises, for example, thechipset GDM7243S and GMD7242Q from GCT Semiconductor, Inc. In anembodiment, other chipsets may be used that support other wirelesscommunication technologies. Other wireless communications chipsetcompanies include, but are not limited to Qualcomm Inc., SequansCommunications, Intel Corporation, and the like. Other wirelesscommunication technologies include, but are not limited to 3G, 4G, 5G,High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), and the like, and support one or moreof Global System for Mobiles (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access(CDMA), and the like.

The wireless communication circuitry 112 is in communication with theprocessor 118 and the one or more power amplifiers 110. The wirelesscommunication circuitry 112 is further in communication with thecomputing device circuitry 102 of the host device 100 via the interface116.

The interface 116 is configured to pass the network data as digital datausing an Ethernet protocol between the host device's computing devicecircuitry 102 and the module circuitry on the module circuit board 108.Ethernet is a computer networking protocol. For example, systemscommunicating over Ethernet divide a stream of data into shorter piecescalled frames. Each frame contains source and destination addresses, anderror-checking data so that damaged frames can be detected anddiscarded. In an embodiment, the module passes Ethernet only datato/from the host device 100.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the interface 116 can be aUniversal Serial Bus (USB) interface, and the interface 116 comprises aUSB port located on the module circuit board 108 that interfaces with aUSB port of the computing device circuitry 102. The interface 116further comprises a cable that connects the two USB ports. The cable canbe a coaxial cable, a twisted pair of wires, a fiber optic cable, or thelike. In an embodiment, the module circuit board 108 and the cablecomprise a dongle configured to provide network connectivity to the hostdevice 100.

The one or more power amplifiers 110 are configured to amplify an RFsignal for transmission by the first and second antennas 104 a, 104 b.

The SIM interface 126 is configured to interface with the SIM card thatis inserted in the SIM card holder of the host device 100. A SIM cardstores data, such as, but not limited to user identity, location andphone number, network authorization data, personal security keys,contact lists, stored text messages, and the like. The SIM card mayprovide security features such as authentication and encryption toprotect data and prevent eavesdropping. The SIM interface 126 isconfigured to receive the SIM card data from the SIM card and transmitthe SIM card data to one or more of the processor 118, the memory 120,and the wireless communication circuitry 112. In an embodiment, the SIMcard interface 126 is configured to interface with 2FF type (mini-size)SIM cards. In an embodiment, the SIM card interface 126 is configured tointerface with 1FF type (full-size), 3FF type (micro-size), or 4FF(nano-size) SIM cards. In an embodiment, the SIM card interface 126 isconfigured to interface with an electronic SIM card (eSIM), a virtualSIM card, or the like. In an embodiment, data associated with the eSIMor virtual SIM card is stored in the module's memory 120.

The module circuitry 108 further comprises additional components thatmay be used to support current or future module functionality. Forexample, the additional circuitry can be used to support future versionsor enhancements to the wireless communication circuitry 112, such as,but not limited to category 6, category 7, category 9, category 12,category 16, category 18, category 4th generation wireless, and category5^(th) generation wireless.

The first and second antennas 104 a, 104 b are configured to receive anRF signal and transmit an RF signal. In an embodiment, the first andsecond antennas 104 a, 104 b support multiple bands and frequenciesranging from approximately 400 MHz to approximately 6,000 MHz. In anembodiment, the first and second antennas 104 a, 104 b support multiplebands and frequencies ranging from approximately 400 MHz toapproximately 2,800 MHz. In an embodiment, one or two antennas are usedto transmit and receive RF signals. Module supports multiple inputmultiple output (MIMO) configurations. In this configuration, multipleantennas can be used to support up to 64×64 MIMO configurations. In anembodiment, more than two antennas are used to transmit and receive RFsignals. In an embodiment, the first and second antennas 104 a, 104 bare embedded in the host device 100, which is further illustrated inFIG. 3. The first and second antennas 104 a, 104 b are in communicationwith the first and second RF input/output devices 106 a, 106 b,respectively.

The first and second RF input/output devices 106 a, 106 b are configuredto transmit RF signals to the first and second antennas 104 a, 104 bwhen in the transmit mode and receive RF signals from the first andsecond antennas 104 a, 104 b when in the receive mode. The first andsecond RF input/output devices 106 a, 106 b are in communication withthe first and second antennas 104 a, 104 b, respectively and incommunication with the module circuitry on the module circuit board 108,such as the one or more power amplifiers 110 and the wirelesscommunication circuitry 112.

In an embodiment, the first and second antennas 104 a, 104 b, the firstand second RF input/output devices 106 a, 106 b, and the modulecircuitry on the module circuit board 108 comprise a radio. In anembodiment, the radio is configured to receive and/or transmit RFsignals at approximately 700 MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1500 MHz, 1700 MHz,1900 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2200 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2400 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3500 MHzand/or 3650 MHz. In an embodiment, the radio is configured to receiveand/or transmit RF signals at approximately 5 GHz. In an embodiment, theradio is configured to support multiple bands and frequencies rangingfrom approximately 400 MHz to approximately 6,000 MHz.

The ON/OFF switch 122 is configured to switch power ON or OFF to themodule, which in turn turns the wireless connectivity for the hostdevice 102 ON and OFF. In an embodiment, the module receives power fromthe host device 100. In an embodiment, the module further comprises apower supply and supplies power to the module circuitry independent ofthe power to the host device 100. In an embodiment, the ON/OFF switch122 is a dedicated switch for the module and is independent of the hostdevice 100. In another embodiment, the ON/OFF switch 100 is configuredto switch power ON and OFF concurrently to the module and the hostdevice 100. In an embodiment, the ON/OFF switch 122 is a redundantswitch as the module can be powered ON/OFF by the host device 100.

The signal strength indicator 124 is configured to provide an indicationof the strength of the wireless signal being received by the first andsecond antennas 104 a, 104 b from the network service provider. Examplesof displays of signal strength can include a series of bars ofincreasing height, a series of LEDs, a series of bands, or the like thatindicate varying amounts of signal strength. In an embodiment, theindication of signal strength is audio.

Embedded Module

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a host device 200 including computingdevice circuitry 102 interfacing with an embodiment of a module. Asillustrated in FIG. 2, the module comprises a module circuit board 208,the first and second antennas 104 a, 104 b, the first and second radiofrequency (RF) input/output devices 106 a, 106 b, the ON/OFF switch 122,and the signal strength indicator 124. In an embodiment, the modulecircuit board 208 comprises the one or more power amplifiers 110, thewireless communication circuitry 112, the processor 118, the memory 120,an interface 216, and the subscriber identity module (SIM) interface126.

The computing device circuitry 102, the first and second antennas 104 a,104 b, the first and second RF input/output devices 106 a, 106 b, theON/OFF switch 122, the signal strength indicator 124, the one or morepower amplifiers 110, the wireless communication circuitry 112, theprocessor 118, the memory 120, and the subscriber identity module (SIM)interface 126 have been described above with respect to FIG. 1.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the module is embedded in thehost device 200 such that the motherboard of the host device 200comprises the computing device circuitry 102 and the module circuitboard 208. The module circuit board 208 further comprises the interface216.

The interface 216 is configured to pass the network data as digital datausing an Ethernet protocol between the host device's computing devicecircuitry 102 and the module circuitry on the module circuit board 208.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the interface 216 is an M.2interface, and the interface 216 comprises an M.2 connector located onthe module circuit board 208 that interfaces with a mating M.2 connectorof the computing device circuitry 102. In an embodiment, the interface216 can utilize other mating connector pairs, such as, but not limitedto peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe), land grid array(LGA), secure digital input/output (SDIO), universal asynchronousreceiver/transmitter (UART), inter-IC sound (I2S), serial peripheralinterface bus (SPI), inter-integrated circuit (I2C), joint test actiongroup (JTAG), and the like. In an embodiment, the interface 216 betweenthe module circuit board 208 and the computing device circuitry 102 ofthe host device 200 is hard-wired on the motherboard of the host device200. In an embodiment, the components of the module circuit board 208(the wireless communication circuitry 112, the one or more poweramplifiers 110, the processor 118, the memory 120, and the like) aremounted directly onto the motherboard of the host device 200.

In an embodiment, the placement of the module circuit boards 108, 208within the host device 102 is optimized to permit utilization of theMultiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) feature, which is found inwireless communication protocols to exploit multipath propagation byusing multiple transmit and receive antennas.

FIG. 3 illustrates a host computing device 300 including an embodimentof a module. The module provides network connectivity to the hostcomputing device 300, which does not include a network interface devicedriver. The module circuit board 108, 208 is located within the hostdevice 300 and not illustrated in FIG. 3. Antennas 104 a, 104 b areembedded into the sides of a rotating top portion of the host device300. In other embodiments, the antennas 104 a, 104 b are located inother portions of the host computing device 300. Non-limiting examplesof the signal strength indicator 124 and the module ON/OFF switch 122are shown on a bottom portion of the host device 300, in an area thatsurrounds a keyboard portion of the host device 300. SIM card slot 326is configured to receive a SIM card, which interfaces with the modulethrough the SIM card interface 126 (not illustrated).

FIG. 4 is a block diagram 400 of a driverless wireless module 410 and ahost device 402. The host device 402 comprises a host processor 404 andhost memory 406 that stores at least an operating system that supportsthe host device's functions, such as, but not limited to schedulingtasks, executing applications, and controlling peripherals. The hostdevice 402 does not include software or hardware device drivers tosupport connectivity to a network. In an embodiment, the network is theInternet.

Because the host device 402 does not comprise the network devicedrivers, unauthorized access to the host device through network devicedrivers, from hackers, for example, cannot occur. Not including networkdevice drivers in the host device 402 provides additional security forthe host device 402. Often unauthorized access to the host device 402provides unauthorized access to computers with which the host device isin communication. For example, a compromised or hacked host device 402in communication with a server associated with a school in a schooldistrict may provide unauthorized access to the contents of the server.

To provide network access, such as Internet access, the host device 402communicates with the module 410 using an Ethernet protocol to receivenetwork data via the module 410 and to send host data via the module 410to the network. The host device 402 further comprises an interface 408that is configured to communicate data to the module 410.

The host device 402 further comprises a subscriber information module(SIM) card 430 that stores data, such as, but not limited to useridentity, location and phone number, network authorization data,personal security keys, contact lists, stored text messages, and thelike, as described above.

Module 410 is referred to as a driverless wireless module (DWM) becauseit permits the host device 402 to wirelessly access the network withouta network device driver installed in the host device 402. A driverlesswireless system (DWS) comprises the host device 402 and the module 410.

In an embodiment, the module 410 is located within the host device 402.The interface 408 of the host device 402 can be located on themotherboard of the host device 402. In an embodiment, the module 410 istethered with a cable or set of wires to the interface 408 on themotherboard of the host device 402. In an embodiment, the module 410 iselectrically connected to the motherboard through a pair of matingconnectors, where one of the connecter is located on the module 410 andthe mating connector is located on the motherboard of the host device402. While the module 410 is described as being in communication withthe motherboard on the host device 402, other circuit boards,components, and circuitry of the host device 402 can be in communicationwith the module 410 to provide driverless wireless connectivity for thehost device 402. The module 410 operates independently of the operatingsystem installed in the host device 402.

Module 410 comprises a processor 418 memory 420 that includesinstructions to be executed by the processor 418. In an embodiment, thememory 420 includes the network or broadband interface driver, Ethernetprotocol, and a host interface protocol. The network device driver canbe used by the module 410 to access the network. The Ethernet protocolcan be used by the module 410 when communicating data between the hostdevice 402 and the module 410. The host communication protocol can beused by the module 410 when communicating with the host device 402 andadds an additional layer to the communications between the module 410and the host device 402. Examples of a host communication protocol aremobile broadband interface model (MBIM), remote network drive interfacespecification (RNDIS), and the like.

Module 410 further comprises a SIM card interface 426 configured to readSIM data from the SIM card 430.

The module 410 further comprises one or more antennas 422, one or moreradio frequency input/output switches 414, amplifier, filter, and switchcircuitry 416, and baseband and radio frequency signal processingcircuitry 422. In an embodiment the one or more antennas 422, the one ormore radio frequency input/output switches 414, the amplifier, filter,and switch circuitry 416, and the baseband and radio frequency signalprocessing circuitry 422 comprise a radio that is configured to receiveand transmit radio frequency signals.

The baseband and radio frequency signal processing circuitry 422 is incommunication with the processor 418 and the amplifier, filter, andswitch circuitry 416, which is in communication with one or more radiofrequency input/output switches 414. The one or more radio frequencyinput/output switches 414 are also in communication with thecorresponding one or more antennas 412.

The baseband and radio frequency signal processing circuitry 422 processbaseband data to provide radio frequency signals for transmission andprocess the received radio frequency signals to provide baseband data.The amplifier, filter, and switch circuitry 416 receives the radiofrequency signals from the baseband and radio frequency signalprocessing circuitry 422 and amplifies and filters the radio frequencysignal for transmission. The amplifier, filter, and switch circuitry 416further receives radio frequency signals from the radio frequencyinput/output switches and amplifies and filters the received radiofrequency signals before passing the radio frequency signals to thebaseband and radio frequency signal processing circuitry for conversionto baseband data.

In an embodiment, the amplifier, filter, and switch circuitry 416supports multiband. In the embodiment, the amplifier, filter, and switchcircuitry 416 is configured to support dual band frequency divisionduplex (FDD) signaling and to support time division duplex (TDD)signaling. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the amplifier,filter, and switch circuitry 416 is configured to support dual band FDDlong term evolution (LTE) signaling and to support TDD LTE signaling. Inan embodiment, the amplifier, filter, and switch circuitry 416 can beconfigured to support other frequency bands and other wirelesscommunication standards, such as 3G, 4G, 4G LTE, 5G, and other standardsassociated with code division multiple access (CDMA) and global systemof mobiles (GSM) technologies. The filters can be implemented inhardware or in software.

The radio frequency input/output switches 414 receive radio frequencysignals from the amplifier, filter, and switch circuitry 416 and passthe radio frequency signals to the antennas 412 for transmission whenthey are in the transmit mode. When the radio frequency input/outputswitches 414 are in the receive mode, they receive the radio frequencysignals from the antennas 412 and pass the received radio frequencysignals to the amplifier, filter, and switch circuitry 416.

The module 410 further comprises an interface 424 that is incommunication with the baseband and radio frequency processing circuitry422 to communicate network data to the host device 402 and to receivedata from the host to be sent to the network. In an embodiment, theinterfaces 408 and 424 are configured as universal serial bus (USB)ports. As described above with respect to the host device 402, themodule 410 can be tethered with a cable or set of wires to the interface408 on the host device 402 or can be electrically connected to themotherboard through a pair of mating connectors, where one of theconnecter is located on the module 410 and the mating connector islocated in the host device 402. In an embodiment, the connectorsassociated with the interfaces 408, 424 are M.2 connectors.

FIG. 5a Illustrates a receive process 500. At step 502, the antennas 414and the radio frequency input/output switches 414 receive a radiofrequency signal. In an embodiment, the processor 418 controls the stateof the radio frequency input/output switches.

At step 504, the module 410 reads the SIM card in the host device 402 toobtain SIM data such as but not limited to network-specific informationused to authenticate and identify subscribers on the network, useridentity, user location, network authorization data, personal securitykeys. In the event that the SIM data is missing or invalid, the process500 ends.

Once valid SIM data is verified, the process 500 moves to step 506. Atstep 506, the amplifier, filter and switch circuitry 416 and thebaseband and radio frequency processing circuitry 422 process the radiofrequency signal to generate baseband data.

At step 508, the module 410 strips overhead data from the basebandsignal that is associated with broadband and/or network communicationprotocols of the network.

At step 510, the module 410 adds informational data to the baseband datato generate host data. In an embodiment, the information data is basedat least in part on one or more of characteristics of the radiofrequency signal and the SIM data. Examples of informational datainclude, but are not limited to a network communication protocol, anindication of a network carrier, and an indication of signal strength ofthe RF signal.

At step 512, the module 410 determines whether the host device 402indicates that a host communication protocol be used to communicate theinformational data to the host device 402. The module can produceinformation according to the MBIM communication protocol, RNDIScommunication protocol or both, and send this information using theEthernet port used to communicate with the host device 402. For hostdevices 402 that support MBIM and/or RNDIS, the host device 402 can readthis information through the open Ethernet port. The host device 402 caninternally display and use this information based on the host device'sprogram and needs. In an embodiment, there is no handshake processbetween host device 402 and module 410 for MBIM or RNDIS. In anotherembodiment, the module 410 can utilize other information protocols tocommunicate information to the host device 402, as specified by the hostdevice 402.

If the host device 402 does not indicate a host communication protocol,then the process 500 moves to step 516. If the host device 402 indicatesthat a host communication protocol is used by the host device 402, thenthe process moves to step 514.

At step 514, the module 410 adds the host communication protocol to thehost data. In an embodiment, the host communication protocol adds alayer to the host data. Examples of host communication protocols aremobile broadband interface model (MBIM), Remote Network Driver InterfaceSpecification (RNDIS), and the like. For example, MBIM is a protocol forhost and device connectivity for any device with USB support, includingdesktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices. The MBIM specificationsupports multiple generations of GSM and CDMA-based 3G, 4G, and 5Gpacket data services, including LTE. MBIM can standardize the transportof data by supporting multiple IP connections per single USB interface.For another example, RNDIS is a protocol that can be used on top of USBand can provide provides a virtual Ethernet link to some operatingsystems.

At step 516, the module 410 communicates the host data from theinterface 426 on the module 410 to the interface 408 on the host device402 using an Ethernet protocol. The host data includes the network data,which is received by the host device 402 even though the host device 402does not include a network device driver.

FIG. 5b illustrates a transmit process 550. At step 552, the host device402 prepares host data including network data to send to the module 410for transmission by the antennas 412 to the network.

At step 554, the processor 550 opens the Ethernet port and engages theEthernet protocol. In an embodiment, the host device 402 opens theEthernet port and engages the Ethernet protocol. In another embodiment,the module 410 opens the Ethernet port and engages the Ethernetprotocol.

At step 556, the module 410 receives the host data from the host device402 via the interface 424. At step 558, the baseband and radio frequencyprocessing circuitry 422 forms the baseband data the host data and atstep 560, the baseband and radio frequency processing circuitry 422 andthe amplifier, filter, and switch circuitry convert the baseband data toan RF signal for transmission.

At step 562, the module 410 confirms the SIM card 430 is ready andactive. In an embodiment, the SIM card interface 424 reads the SIM card430. If the SIM card is not ready and active, the process 550 ends. Ifthe SIM card is ready and active, the process 550 moves to step 564.

At step 564, the antennas 412 transmit the RF signal to the network. TheRF signal includes the network data, which is generated by the hostdevice 402 for communication to the network even though the host device402 does not include a network device driver.

Terminology

Some of the embodiments described above have provided examples inconnection with computers. However, the principles and advantages of theembodiments can be used for any other systems or apparatus that haveneeds for power amplifier systems.

Such a system or apparatus can be implemented in various electronicdevices. Examples of the electronic devices can include, but are notlimited to, consumer electronic products, parts of the consumerelectronic products, electronic test equipment, etc. Examples of theelectronic devices can also include, but are not limited to, memorychips, memory modules, circuits of optical networks or othercommunication networks, and disk driver circuits. The consumerelectronic products can include, but are not limited to, a telephone, atelevision, a computer monitor, a computer, a hand-held computer, alaptop computer, a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA),a PC card, a microwave, a refrigerator, an automobile, a stereo system,a cassette recorder or player, a DVD player, a CD player, a VCR, an MP3player, a radio, a camcorder, a camera, a digital camera, a portablememory chip, a washer, a dryer, a washer/dryer, a copier, a facsimilemachine, a scanner, a multi-functional peripheral device, a wrist watch,a clock, etc. Further, the electronic devices can include unfinishedproducts.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” The word “coupled”, as generally usedherein, refers to two or more elements that may be either directlyconnected, or connected by way of one or more intermediate elements.Likewise, the word “connected”, as generally used herein, refers to twoor more elements that may be either directly connected, or connected byway of one or more intermediate elements. Additionally, the words“herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used inthis application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not toany particular portions of this application. Where the context permits,words in the above Detailed Description using the singular or pluralnumber may also include the plural or singular number respectively. Theword “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, that word coversall of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items inthe list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the itemsin the list.

Moreover, conditional language used herein, such as, among others,“can,” “could,” “might,” “can,” “e.g.,” “for example,” “such as” and thelike, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understoodwithin the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certainembodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certainfeatures, elements and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is notgenerally intended to imply that features, elements and/or states are inany way required for one or more embodiments or that one or moreembodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or withoutauthor input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/orstates are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

The above detailed description of embodiments of the invention is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, theinvention are described above for illustrative purposes, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention,as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, whileprocesses or blocks are presented in a given order, alternativeembodiments may perform routines having steps, or employ systems havingblocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may bedeleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified. Each ofthese processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of differentways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as beingperformed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performedin parallel, or may be performed at different times.

The teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to othersystems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements andacts of the various embodiments described above can be combined toprovide further embodiments.

While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, theseembodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are notintended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novelmethods, apparatus, and systems described herein may be embodied in avariety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions,and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein maybe made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. Theaccompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover suchforms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of thedisclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method to communicate network data associatedwith a network with a host device that does not include a networkdriver, the method comprising: receiving a radio frequency signal with amodule, the radio frequency signal including network data for a hostdevice that does not include a network driver, the host device unable tocommunicate with the network without the network driver; generating,with the module, baseband data that includes the network data; adding,with the module, informational data to the baseband data to form hostdata, the informational data associated with one or more of the RFsignal and the network; and sending, with the module, the host data overan interface to the host device, the host data including the networkdata.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising adding, with themodule, a host communication protocol to the host data before sendingthe host data to the host device.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein thehost communication protocol is mobile broadband interface model (MBIM).4. The method of claim 1 further comprising retrieving, with the module,subscriber identity module (SIM) data from a SIM card associated withthe host device.
 5. The method of claim 4 wherein the informational datais further associated with the SIM data.
 6. The method of claim 1wherein the informational data includes one or more of an indication ofa network communication protocol, an indication of a network carrier,and an indication of signal strength of the radio frequency signal. 7.The method of claim 1 wherein the interface includes a universal serialbus (USB) port.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein the module is tetheredto the host device via a cable in communication with the USB port. 9.The method of claim 1 wherein the interface includes a connector on themodule configured to mate with a corresponding connector on the hostdevice.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein the connector is an M.2connector.
 11. A module to communicate network data associated with anetwork with a host device that does not include a network driver, thehost device unable to communicate with the network without the networkdriver, the module comprising: an antenna configured to receive andtransmit a radio frequency signals, the radio frequency signalsincluding network data for a host device that does not include a networkdriver, the host device unable to communicate with the network withoutthe network driver; signal processing circuitry configured to generatebaseband data that includes the network data; a processor and associatedmemory that stores instructions to be executed by the processor to addinformational data to the baseband data to form host data, theinformational data associated with one or more of the radio frequencysignal and the network; and an interface configured to send the hostdata to the host device, the host data including the network data. 12.The module of claim 11 wherein a host communication protocol is added tothe host data before sending the host data to the host device.
 13. Themodule of claim 12 wherein the host communication protocol is mobilebroadband interface model (MBIM).
 14. The module of claim 11 wherein theprocessor is configured to retrieve subscriber identity module (SIM)data from a SIM card associated with the host device.
 15. The module ofclaim 14 wherein the informational data is further associated with theSIM data.
 16. The module of claim 11 wherein the informational dataincludes one or more of an indication of a network communicationprotocol, an indication of a network carrier, and an indication ofsignal strength of the radio frequency signal.
 17. The module of claim11 wherein the interface includes a universal serial bus (USB) port. 18.The module of claim 17 wherein the module is tethered to the host devicevia a cable in communication with the USB port.
 19. The module of claim11 wherein the interface includes a connector on the module configuredto mate with a corresponding connector on the host device.
 20. Themodule of claim 19 wherein the connector is an M.2 connector.